JACK GILLFILLAN

NOVEMBER 6, 1929 - FEBRUARY 27, 2023

On February 27, 2023, Wesleyan lost another great benefactor of our school community. Jack Gillfillan was a long-tenured Wesleyan School advisory trustee, a fan and supporter of Wesleyan School, and a true gentleman. A man for whom a commitment to philanthropy ran deep, Jack was a dedicated supporter of the Wesleyan School community.

Jack enjoyed a small-town upbringing with a paper route beginning at the age of 12. His father owned and operated a gas station, and that sparked Jack’s entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. He attended college at Indiana University thanks to his Uncle Solon who inspired Jack’s future philanthropic generosity by providing funds for Jack’s education. Following graduation, Jack served proudly as a captain in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Jack loved the Lord, his wife of almost 55 years, Sieglinde, and his family. A regular at Wesleyan Grandparents Day when his grandsons were young, Jack was the proud grandfather to Nicholas Menefee ’14 and Jacob Menefee ’25. After Jacob’s birth, Jack generously served as Nicholas’ carpool driver making rounds back and forth to Wesleyan for years. Given the 11-year spread between his grandsons, Jack attended sporting events, theater performances, and special programs for more than 20 years.

Wesleyan’s Veterans Day program was a favorite as his pride in America ran deep.

Jack had drive and determination, coupled with a keen ability to relate to others. He recognized opportunity, took risks, and invested in people and relationships. He believed in helping others and in giving graciously and freely.

“The generosity and philanthropy of the Gillfillans has been felt by many organizations in Atlanta and elsewhere,” says CHRIS CLEVELAND, head of school. “Wesleyan School was blessed to be a recipient of Jack and Sieglinde’s support over the years. Their lead gift played a significant role in our ability to build Gillfillan Hall, our administration building.

“The legacy of Jack and Sieglinde’s generosity and love for Wesleyan will carry on well into the future,” Cleveland goes on to say. “Thousands of past, current, and future employees, parents, students, prospective families, and guests see and speak the Gillfillan name each time they enter the building that houses the business, communications, admissions, development, and auxiliary program teams. Jack’s support will continue to impact generations, and his support will not be forgotten.”

In addition to being a Wesleyan grandparent actively on campus for two decades, Jack’s familial connections to the school extend to his daughter and son-in-law. His daughter, Pamela Menefee, has been a dedicated volunteer across campus for many years, and his son-in-law, Tom, is a long-tenured member of the Wesleyan School board of trustees.